Impact of Imam Ahmed Raza on the World Today

No tribute to Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) could be complete without understanding the sustained restlessness of the Imam in providing true leadership throughout his life, when he was faced with leading the Muslims in a fragile moment in the history of Islam in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. The continued emergence of false sects like the Qadianis, Wahabis, and other sects which sought to prove that Almighty Allah indulges in falseness – Ma’aazallah, Summa Ma’aazallah – proved a genuine threat when these sects began imitating unsuspecting but uneducated Muslims into their fold. It was against such a background that Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) rose forth to defend the true Islamic principles as a scholarly giant, and in doing so, also succeeded in securing a place in the Urdu language as a literary giant in Na’athia Kalam.

In typical tyrannical behaviour, the envious opponents of the Imam embarked on futile attempts at issuing propaganda aiming to discredit the Imam by labelling him as an “innovator” and “mischief maker”; and announcing that the sole providers of Islamic research in the Indo-Pak sub-continent were the Deobandi Ulema. It is interesting to note that history has proved that the volume of work the Imam had completed in Islamic Research singlehandedly was beyond the capability of the entire Deobandi Ulema to this day.

We thank the Almighty Allah that as He unfolds the truth before the masses. Islamic scholars the world over are recognising the Imam’s superiority in issuing Islamic judicial decrees with incisiveness and substantiated detail. Today, expensive research is being taken on the Imam’s writings and decrees the world over in the Urdu, Persian, Arabic and English languages. Special permissions for such research were made in Birmingham University, England, Holland, India and Pakistan.

Little publicised is the fact that Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) produced more researched decrees in annihilating Bid’at practices in India in the last century than any other scholar. Established anti-Islamic customs in Muslim society were accepted without question until Imam Ahmed Raza started a reform campaign armed with Quranic injunctions and researched Hadith to wipe out such customs.

More than just issuing Fatawas, Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) prepared researched treatises on an academic level on these issues which fast saw the decline of most of the anti-Islamic practices. To this day the Muslim masses benefit from his Fatawa-e-Razvia, Ahkam-e-Shariat, Irfaan-e-Shariat, Al Malfooz, Fatawa-e-Africa, etc. which deal with deal with almost every masaa’il of our day-to-day life.

Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) was very sensitive to the pains and afflictions that befell the Muslim Ummah. In this regard he used every scholarly resource at his disposal to assist the Muslims regain their honour in the face of all anti-Islamic forces.

In his Hada’iq-e-Bakshish he wrote an entire nazm “Soona Jungle” warning the Muslims about safeguarding their Imaan. This Nazm became very popular with the masses as its clear message was arranged in a style that appealed to the masses. It should be the duty of the Ulema and organisers of Meelad to popularise this Nazm in our society as it stirs up the fear of Almighty Allah and the Aakirah in the minds of the listeners.

GREAT BREAKTHROUGH AT THE AL AHZAR UNIVERSITY: The famous Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt has granted permission for a graduate to research on the topic of A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) and his services for Hanafi Fiqah. This research is towards the M.Phil. Degree and Mustaq Ahmed Shah of Pakistan is doing this research.

IMAM AHMED RAZA AND MEDICINE (TIBB): Hakeem Mohammed Saeed Dehlwi, the founder of Madinatul Hikmat University, Karachi (Research Centre for Unani Medicine) and owner of Hamdard Dawa Khana did research and compiled A’la Hazrat’s (radi Allahu anhu) theory about medicine. The book is titled, “Imam Ahmed Raza aur Fann Tibb,” and is printed and published in Pakistan.

IMAM AHMED RAZA FOUNDATION: The IARF was recently established in the Kerala State India to research and propagate the teachings of Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu).

NEW TRANSLATIONS OF IMAM AHMED RAZA PUBLISHED: The “Islamic Times” of the U.K. has recently published two articles by A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu). These are: (1) “A Commentary upon Paper Currency Notes,” which was researched and translated by Dr. Muhammad A. Junejo and (2) “Imam Ahmed Raza and Topology,” by Dr. Abdul Naim Azizi of Jasoli, Bareilly Shareef.

HISTORIC A’LA HAZRAT MAZAAR STAMP PRINTED BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA: The Postal Services Department of the Indian government have acknowledged the Islamic and Academic services of the great Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam, A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu). They have printed a new Indian stamp portraying the Mazaar Shareef of A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) in full colour. The words “A’la Hazrat Barelvi” have been printed along the side of the stamp in English and Hindi. This stamp is currently being sold at all Post Offices in India. This is India’s way of saluting a great genius and Islamic scholar of his time, A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).

RESEARCH WORK ON IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN: Hazrat Maulana Ahmed Raza Khan, an eminent jurist, also known as A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was born at Bareilly, India in 1856. He completed the Holy Quran at the age of four and became astonishingly well-versed in more than fifty branches of learning, pertaining to Ancient Sciences, Current Sciences and Oriental Learnings and left contributions in all these academic disciplines.

At Makkah Mu’azzama and Madina Munawwara, he was visited by many scholars who received diplomas and fatawas from him. Due to his distinction in this field, the Islamic world acknowledged him as a great Jurist. The renowned poet of the East, Dr. Allama Iqbal, remarked, “Such a genius and intelligent Jurist did not emerge.” Despite being well-versed in scores of branches of knowledge, he restricted his interest to the following branches:

1. To support and defend the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

2. To uproot the innovations prevalent in the Muslim society.

3. To issue fatawa according to the Hanafi School of Jurisprudence.

In short, he was a Jurist, Theologian and a Reformer whose life revolved around the motto “Love the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).” In recognition of this eminent personalities life, the following researches are being carried out by these individuals, amongst others:

4. Prof. J.M. Baljo of Leiden University, Holland, who presented and delivered research material on A’la Hazrat at an international forum.

5. British scholar, Dr Muhammad Haroon, who has compiled a thesis on “The World Importance of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilly.”

RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION OF A’LA HAZRAT’S WORKS: A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the Muslim Revivalist (Mujaddid) of the previous Islamic Century, wrote and compiled numerous commentaries and treatises on various topics. As an author, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu) has left to his credit more than a thousand books on fifty different subjects ranging from Tafseer, Logic, Grammar, Literature, Islamic Jurisprudence, Education, Sociology, Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics, History, Science of History, Engineering, Biographies, Philosophy, Mysticism to Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi Literature. His poetry includes such works as “Mustapha Jaan-e-Rahmat.”

At present, many Islamic and Western universities, colleges and Darul Uloom’s, throughout the world, are researching and translating the works of this great Muslim scholar. Some of the countries in which research is being carried out are: India, Pakistan, United States of America, England, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa. Perhaps one of his more famous scientific theories lies in his proof that the sun and other bodies revolve around the earth!

UNIVERSITIES CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON A’LA HAZRAT’S WORKS: More than twenty five Universities throughout the world are actively researching the works of the great Islamic Scholar and Saint, A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).

“KANZUL IMAAN” NOW AVAILABLE: “Kanzul Imaan”, the internationally renowned Urdu translation of the Holy Quran by A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu) has been translated into the English language by many Islamic scholars.(NOTE:You can read online from our blog this translation in three languages)

This momentous task was first undertaken by Professor Fatimi, a highly acclaimed academic of the University of Kuwait. He had it published in Karachi, Pakistan. The second translation was undertaken by Professor Shah Fareedul Haq of Pakistan and was published in India and Pakistan. The commentary notes on “Kanzul Imaan” by Sadrul Faadhil, Maulana Na’eemuddeen Muradabadi (rahmatullah alaihi) has been translated into the English language by Dr. Professor Majeedullah of Lahore, Pakistan.

A’la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza’s (radi Allahu anhu) translation of the Holy Quran – “Kanzul Imaan” – is now available from our offices. This translation of the Holy Quran is in the English language, but is without a commentary (Tafseer). It is a must in every Muslim home.

KANZUL IMAN – HOLY QURAN IN CREOLE LANGUAGE: In Mauritius A’la Hazrat’s Kanzul Iman has been translated into the Creole language, thanks to the combined effort of Maulana Mansoor and Maulana Najeeb of Mauritius. This historic translation of the Holy Quran was first published on 17-01-96 under the guidance and patronage of the Khatib of the Jaame Masjid Mauritius, Hazrat Allama Shameem Ashraf Azhari. Many Ulema and politicians also partook in this great service. The translation was greatly welcomed and accepted by all.

NEW RESEARCH MATERIAL ON A’LA HAZRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU): Three new research thesis on A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) by Professor Dr. Muhammad Mas’ood Ahmad was published in Pakistan. Two of his books, viz. “Fundamental Faith of Islam” and “Imam Ahmad Raza – The Reformer of the Muslim World”, are in English and one in Arabic. Whilst numerous books and research on A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) has been published in Urdu, only a limited material is available in English and Arabic. This move is, therefore, greatly encouraged. (Ashrafia Monthly Mubarakpur)

PH.D ON A’LA HADRAT: Twenty-one (21) Scholars in Pakistan have completed their research works on A’la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and have received their Doctrate. Amongst them were:

1. Professor Dr Hafiz Abdul Baari Siddiqi

2. Professor Dr Majeedullah Qaaderi, who is also doing a indepth research on the works of A’la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).

FATAWA RADAWIYYAH: Alhamdulillah, eleven volumes of A’la Hazrat’s (radi Allahu anhu) scholarly work “Fatawa Radawiyyah” has now been published by Darul Uloom Amjadiya under the expert supervision of Qari Raza-ul-Mustapha Azmi. This famous work, which contains hundreds of questions and answers pertaining to almost every aspect of Islamic life, is in the Urdu language.

T.V. DOCUMENTARY ON A’LA HAZRAT: An investigative and informative documentary on the life and services of A’la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was broadcast by the National Pakistan Television. It was featured as a special programme of “Television Encyclopedia.” This programme was unanimously applauded and due to popular public demand it was presented once again on the occasion of Urs-e-Razvi. Consequently, a learned and well-known scholar of “Razviat,” Sayyed Aarif Ali Razvi, of Kalyaan Bombay has exhorted the Doordarshan, India’s state television channel, to present an indepth documentary on the life of Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu).

A’LA HAZRAT’S HISTORY INCLUDED IN ENCYCLOPEDIA: The Islamic book publications section of the Punjab University is to launch a new Urdu Encyclopedia of Islam. In the 10th volume, pages 278 to 287, incorporates a brief history of the life and works of A’la Hazrat, Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). This brief history was prepared by Professor Dr Muhammad Ma’sud Ahmed, M.A. Phd., on the request of Dr.Sayed Abdullah.

RESEARCH ON A’LA HAZRAT’S “FAUZ-E-MOBEEN“: Scientists from the Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad have taken a keen interest in researching A’la Hazrat’s (radi Allahu anhu) “Fauz-e-Mobeen” which deals with the movement of the sun and planets around the earth. At present, research is about to commence on the subject.

CHRISTIAN CONVERTS TO ISLAM AFTER READING “KANZUL IMAAN“: In 1974, Dr. Hannif Faatimi of London University brought the Professor of Kuwait an English translation of “Kanzul Imaan” (A’la Hazrat’s translation of the Holy Quran) for printing. Prof. Faatimi at that time had met a Christian scholar who had revealed that he was interested in reading more about Islam. Prof. Faatimi was two-minded about giving him an English copy of Kanzul Imaan. Eventually, he gave him a copy to read. The Christian scholar, after reading this translation, accepted Islam.